ST. LOUIS –– Johnson & Johnson and Imerys Talc America have opposed a voluntary motion to dismiss a talc-based powder exposure suit, saying that the plaintiff offered no reason for the motion to dismiss and, the defendants, speculate, is planning to re-file the case in state court.

In the March 18 opposition brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the defendants explained that the case is ready for trial and summary judgment, Daubert, and in limine motions are fully briefed.

“Plaintiff now wants to dismiss the case without prejudice,” the opposition states. “He gives ...